we ask that you...


Help us to maintain a sacred space by leaving your cell phone in the check in area, turned off. 

Feel Your Feet

Yoga is generally practiced barefoot. If you need to wear shoes, please make sure that the soles are clean.


Be aware of the space around you. Take the space you need but also make sure to make room for others. If it is a crowded class consider offering up some of your space so that someone else can squeeze in.

Ease Your Mind

Bring valuables inside the studio.


Stay for savasana.  This is where your body and mind get to absorb all the good stuff.  Don’t skip it.

Speak Up

Please let the teacher know if you are working with an injury. Grab a consent card from the check in desk at the beginning of class and place it on your yoga mat to let the teacher know whether or not you would like to receive physical assists.

Yoga Defined

The word yoga means “union” in Sanskrit (yuj), the language of ancient India where yoga began. According to the Yoga Sutras by Patanjali, a text outlining the basic philosophy and practices of Classical Yoga, yoga is when the mind stops and one recognizes their true nature. What is often referred to as “yoga” in our culture can be more precisely described by the Sanskrit word asana, which means physical posture.


Hatha Yoga, which describes much of the yoga practiced in the west, is the physical practice which includes postures, breath techniques and meditation.  Hatha Yoga is only one type of yoga.  It is actually part of Raja Yoga, the path of self control.  Within Hatha Yoga there are many styles, including Vinyasa, Iyengar, Astanga, Bikram, Kundalini, Kripalu, Jivamukti and more.

Arriving to class

Please arrive 10-15 minutes before class to sign in, use the bathroom, store your belongings, set up a mat space, etc.


What should I do if I arrive late?  If you arrive late and students are in the opening meditation, please wait until they are finished and then quietly enter.  If you sneak in just as class begins and you do not have a spot or props yet, please simply sit down and wait until the opening meditation is finished to roll out your mat and retrieve your props.


Where can I park my bike or car? Laughing River Yoga has ample parking.  If the front parking lot is full please continue to the back where there is overflow parking.  There is a bike rack in the front of the building.


Where do I get changed? There are two changing rooms in the studio and bathrooms down the hall.  There are showers and gender neutral bathrooms on the 2nd floor of the Chace Mill.


What should I wear? Wear something comfortable that you can move in without body parts falling out.  There are many awkward leg and arm positions in yoga so you want to be able to move in all directions comfortably.  Some classes are warmer, others cooler.  Wear layers so that you can adjust accordingly.  And guys, please leave your shirts on.


What do I need to bring? At no charge, LRY provides yoga mats, blocks, bolsters, straps, meditation cushions and purified drinking water.  We encourage you to bring your own yoga mat if you have one and a water bottle.  We do not provide cups for the water.

Attending class

Need to leave early? Please let the teacher know so that they are not concerned when you leave early.  Make sure to give yourself a short rest before you go and to leave at a time that is appropriate for your body, meaning after the proper counter poses have been done and both sides of the body have been addressed equally (ex.  don’t leave after twisting on just one side).

Do I need to bring anything? If you practice consistently, and we hope that you do, we highly recommend you purchase your own mat.  We offer mats to students to borrow for free and we sell mats at the studio.  Please bring your own water bottle, we are trying to save our planet.

What are props for?  Props are meant to enhance a student’s experience of a posture.  They can be helpful to support more ease and alignment in the poses and are also necessary for restorative yoga where they take over the work for the muscles.  Give them a try and then choose whether or not they are helpful for you.  Our teachers can help to assist you in how to use them properly.

Why do we chant? Chants can include anything from om to more elaborate verses.  The chanting of mantra focuses our minds on vibration and cuts through our habitual way of thinking.   Many of the Sanskrit chants have been passed down from the ancient Vedic verses of yoga.  Each vibration of sound has a specific effect on the mind.  You are welcome to join in right away or listen and join in when you feel ready.

What is Namaste? Namaste is a greeting used sometimes at the beginning and end of class.  In parts of Asia, like Nepal and India, it means hello or goodbye.  The literal translation is “The light within me honors the light within you.”

I do not want physical assists.  Can I still take a class?  We have many classes where the teachers do not offer physical assists, including our Trauma-Sensitive class on Mondays at 1:45 pm.  However, you can opt out of assists anytime.  Either let the teacher know or grab a rock from the check in desk and place it on your mat to signify that you prefer not to be touched.  If you have questions about which teachers do not give physical assists, send us an email and we can let you know.

I left something behind.  Can you help me find it? We have a lost and found in the check in area.  We will hold belongings here until the first of each month. At that time we will empty the lost and found and donate items to the Salvation Army.  If you leave behind something valuable give us a call (802-343-8119) OR if your message requires a more immediate response, please email devin@laughingriveryoga.com


Which class is right for me? This depends on you, all of our teachers are equipped to offer classes for all ability levels. We do recommend letting your teacher know whether you have any injuries or restrictions, or if it’s your first yoga class so that they can offer modifications. Our Gentle Vinyasa, Slow Yoga & Yin Classes are all great for beginners.  If you feel ready to dive in deep straight from the beginning, then you can begin anywhere (just remember to honor your body’s wisdom and let go of any achievement-sense). Our more vigorous classes are Spiritual Warrior, Jivamukti, Vinyasa, and Vigorous Vinyasa.

How often should I practice yoga? As often as possible! Even if you spend only 10-15 per days stretching or practicing conscious breathwork, you’ll notice the benefits of your effort! Consistency is the key. After about four classes, things will begin to click.

Can I feel at home here? We want you to feel comfortable at Laughing River Yoga and a part of the community.  Please feel free to ask our instructors for anything you need.  Join us for special monthly workshops at the studio, participate in our blog and on facebook, and enjoy LRY retreats.  LRY teachers like to know your name, please say hello! You are welcome here as you are. Namaste!